Kimberly D'Mello

Master of Science (MSc), Public Health Sciences 

Dr. David Hammond

E-cigarettes are a popular method of smoking cessation assistance. However, few studies have examined whether e-cigarettes serve as a substitute for other effective smoking cessation assistance including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), other pharmacological therapies (OPT), or counselling services. 

My research aims to examine changes in the types of cessation assistance used by people trying to quit smoking over time. Using data from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Project, the objectives of this thesis are to examine:

1) the use of e-cigarettes in a quit attempt and

2) the use of other effective methods of cessation assistance. The study will examine differences by country (Canada, the US, Australia, and England), and sociodemographic factors. 

Across these countries, national tobacco strategies have been launched by governments aiming to achieve less than 5% smoking prevalence by 2030. These targets cannot be met by reductions in smoking alone and therefore, this research examines an important question for understanding how e-cigarettes impact overall smoking cessation rates and the overall public health impact of vaping for people who smoke and are trying to quit.   

Being a member of the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS) community for seven years has been an adventure!  In this time, I have completed an undergraduate degree in the Health Studies Co-Op program, and I am currently working towards a research-based Master in Public Health Sciences. 

I am incredibly grateful to have found a strong match in my supervisor and the SPHS community. Dr. Hammond has been an incredible mentor and has helped me accomplish many goals including research-based travel, publication of journal articles, attending conferences, and facilitating meaningful collaborations with leading experts in my field (both in Canada and abroad). 

A major highlight of my time in this program has been the opportunity to train with academics in the Nicotine Research Group based in Kings College London, who are long-time collaborators with Dr. Hammond’s work as well as the ITC Project. This experience was funded by a Canadian Graduate Scholarship (CIHR CGS-M) and Foreign Study Supplement. 

The SPHS community has been a central support throughout my graduate journey. I have been heavily involved in the SPHS Graduate Student Association, and have served on many committees to shape student experience, advocate for student needs, and contribute to a supportive and engaging social atmosphere across our graduate programs. To date, my favourite experiences have been participating in the SPHS Research and Practice Conference and monthly peer-mentorship sessions.

I am filled with appreciation for the staff and students in SPHS that have supported my journey so far. This community has helped me navigate the challenges of graduate school with meaningful support and kindness. The friendships I have made here will last a lifetime, and I am so excited to continue a career in public health alongside the wonderful professors and peers in this department. 

Original quantitative research – Nicotine content, labelling and flavours of e-liquids in Canada in 2020: a scan of the online retail market 

Connect with Kimberly on LinkedIn!